Biography
Who is Manuel Fernandes?
Early life and education
Manuel Fernandes was born in Lisbon. He grew up in Amadora. As a child, he played street football with Nani. He attended D. Pedro V High School. Manuel joined the youth system at S.L. Benfica.
Career at Benfica and Portsmouth
Manuel Fernandes made his first team debut for Benfica in the 2003-04 season. Coach José Antonio Camacho managed him then. He scored in his second game against Gil Vicente FC. This goal made him the second youngest scorer in club history.
In the 2004-05 season, he played with Petit in midfield. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni led the team. Manuel helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga title. He scored against Vitória F.C. On March 19, 2005. He also played seven UEFA Cup matches that season. In 2006, he had surgery in Munich for an inguinal hernia. Specialist Ulrike Muschaweck performed the operation.
Time in Spain and England
Manuel joined Portsmouth on loan in the summer of 2006. He debuted in the Football League Cup against Mansfield Town. He scored a goal five minutes into that match. He returned to Benfica in the winter because of a high transfer fee.
In January 2007, he joined Everton on loan. He debuted against Blackburn Rovers on February 10. He scored goals against Watford and Manchester United. Manuel signed with Valencia CF on August 26, 2007. The deal cost 18 million euros. He debuted for Valencia against UD Almería on September 2. He returned to Everton on loan in January 2008. In 2008, coach Unai Emery included him in the plans. He scored his first Valencia goal against Real Valladolid on October 5, 2008. He suffered a fibula injury against Getafe CF in April 2009.
Success in Turkey and Russia
Manuel Fernandes moved to Beşiktaş J.K. On loan in January 2011. He played with Simão Sabrosa in Istanbul. He scored a penalty in the Turkish Cup final against İstanbul Başakşehir FK on May 11, 2011. He signed a permanent three year contract in July 2011 for 2 million euros.
On June 2, 2014, he joined FC Lokomotiv Moscow. Sporting director Kirill Kotov signed him. He was the team Player of the Month in October 2014. On September 28, 2017, Manuel scored a hat-trick in 17 minutes against FC Fastav Zlín. This was the fastest hat-trick in UEFA Europa League history. He also scored three goals against OGC Nice on February 15, 2018.
International play and personal details
Manuel joined FC Krasnodar on September 2, 2019. He left that club on July 23, 2020. He joined Kayserispor on October 5, 2020. He signed with Apollon Smyrnis FC on February 19, 2022.
For Portugal, he played in two European Under-21 Championships. He debuted for the senior team in 2005. He was part of the 2018 World Cup squad. Manuel Fernandes stands 176 centimeters tall.
Birthday and age
Manuel Fernandes was born on February 5, 1986, which makes Manuel 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Manuel shares the date with 61 other famous people.
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